NEIAWRC invites community partners to participate in the Northeast Iowa Falls Prevention Coalition

The Northeast Iowa Wellness and Recreation Center (NEIAWRC) has invited community partners to participate in the Northeast Iowa Falls Prevention Coalition. This new coalition will serve Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette and Winneshiek counties.

Melanie Bauch, director of operations at the NEIAWRC, as well as the coordinator of the Northeast Iowa Falls Prevention Coalition, said, “This coalition is made possible through funding from the State of Iowa and operates in partnership with the Iowa Falls Prevention Coalition. Our regional coalition will work in alignment with statewide priorities while addressing the unique needs of rural communities in Northeast Iowa.”

It should be noted that falls are the leading cause of injury and injury-related deaths among adults age 65 and older in Iowa. Rural communities face additional challenges such as geographic isolation, limited transportation, and reduced access to prevention programs. Many older adults also live alone or have limited social supports, increasing both the fall risk and barriers to care. The Northeast Iowa Falls Prevention Coalition will bring local partners together to address these challenges through coordinated community-driven prevention efforts.

Bauch further explained, “The NEIAWRC will serve as the coordinating organization for the coalition. Our mission is to increase the social, cultural and physical well-being of Northeast Iowa residents and visitors by providing wellness and recreation programs that empower people to live healthier and strengthen community connections. Our staff brings training and experience in fall prevention, physical fitness, dementia-friendly practices, mental health support, and age appropriate yoga programming focused on balance, strength, flexibility and mobility, all of which are key components of falls prevention. We also have facilities available to host coalition meetings and activities.”

Bauch added, “We invite potential members to join the coalition in this important regional effort to reduce falls and support the safety, independence, and quality of life for older adults in Northeast Iowa.”

Potential coalition members may include: local public health departments, hospitals and clinics, EMS and fire departments, faith-based and community organizations, older adult representatives and other partners committed to healthy aging and injury prevention.

It is the intention of the coalition to focus on raising awareness of fall risks, promoting evidence-based programs such as Walk with Ease and yoga clases designed for older adults, supporting fall risk screening, and strengthening community clinical referral pathways across the four county region.

The coalition will meet at least every other month, either in person or virtually, to share information, coordinate outreach, and plan collaborative activities. Participation, Bauch noted, is flexible and partners are encouraged to engage in ways that align with their role and expertise.

Anyone wishing to join in this important regional effort, or would like additional information, should contact Bauch at mbauch@neiawrc.org or 563-864-9622.

Bauch concluded by saying, “We appreciate those who have shared a commitment to the health and well-being of our communities as our coalition continues to expand.  We look forward to working with all partners in the Northeast Iowa Falls Prevention Coalition”